Windows 8 Criticized for its Part in Ailing PC Growth

Analysts have criticized Microsoft's latest operating system Windows 8 by calling it confusing and for playing its part in slow PC growth.

In a research note from analyst Chris Whitmore, the first reason Deutsche Bank attributed for decreasing its PC estimates this quarter was a "lackluster initial uptake of Windows 8." In addition to referring to the impact of "macro weakness" and the "fiscal cliff", he continues:

"As in past cycles we expect the introduction of a new Microsoft OS to spur an increase in PC demand. However...we believe Win8 will have a more muted impact than prior cycles for a several reasons: 1) Win8 reviews are mixed due to a confusing UI; 2) there is a lack of Enterprise interest in Window 8; 3) tablet form factor complicates positioning (Win8 vs. Windows RT), 4) continued substitution of PCs by iPads/tablets 4)."

Usability expert Jakob Nielsen said Windows 8's downfall is its "confusing UI", which is other known as the user interface. Topeka Capital Markets analyst Brian White added that Windows 8 orders have been weak. "Much lower than PC makers originally expected a few months ago."

Computerworld, who has tracked usage patterns of Windows 8 in the months prior to its launch and during its release, found that the OS "is being run by less than a fifth as many people as ran Windows 7 in the same months before its debut."

Windows 7 had a massive drive to it because it followed Vista, which despite later improvements, was seen as a bit of a dog so the surge to get off it was vast. Conversely, 7 is widely regarded as a good product and 8 is at best 'experimental' in its design, people are happy with 7 so don't see the point in moving. What consumers have now is good, what they hear about the new option is mixed, so why move? Me I'm quite worried about Metro on Server 2012, but I haven't played with it yet, so can form no real opinion - but it does mean I'm still happy on 2008r2 and not too interested in moving.

Although it's not the primary drive for sales, I would think there is a (very) small contributory factor in PC sales generally at the moment due to games - with the vast majority of games sales being console ports, there's no reason to upgrade gaming hardware. Hopefully the PS4 / X720 will help deliver a large boost in hardware requirements for the majority of games, pushing development on.

Wndows 8 is a piss poor upgrade from windows 7. The main in your face change is an interface designed for touch that appears designed for those too lazy to learn to use windows and makes next to no sense on a desktop; should have been called the Windows Derp interface.

its about time they paid for using a flawed market projection system, the biggest reason for lack of pc/hardware/OS's is right in there face's or are they to arrogantly rich to remember there is a !!! WORLD RECESSION !!! HELLO ANYONE THERE ?? ... money is to tight for MOST people atm so computers or OS's they don't give a monkeys about ,,, they more worried about house hold bills and the ever GROWING COST OF LIVING... ffs haven't they taken that in consideration? they like a bunch of kid pointing the blame at each other.